Use of Advanced Imaging Techniques for the Characterization of Oily Skin

Abstract

Excessively oily skin leads to clinical signs that cause discomfort to patients, such as excessive shine, enlarged pores, acne, and an imbalance of the hydrolipidic layer. In this context, a constant demand for the research and development of products that prevent these features, has been noted in the field of cosmetics and dermatology. Thus, the objective of this study is to evaluate the cutaneous characteristics of oily skin due an excessive production of sebum through biophysical and skin imaging techniques. 19 participants with different skin types were selected and the following parameters were evaluated: pore count, determination of the number of sebaceous glands and amount of sebum in infundibulum, determination of cutaneous microrelief, count of comedones, evaluation of epidermis thickness, characterization of the cellular, and comedone size and its characteristics. These evaluations were done through biophysical and skin imaging techniques. The obtained results showed that different regions of the face presented different characteristics related to oiliness, quantity, and the appearance of pores and comedones. The malar region had a lower epidermis thickness and a larger number of large pores. Moreover, in this region excessive sebum production, which can be related to pores, not comedones, was noted. The nose region presented higher sebum content in the infundibulum and lower active sebaceous glands, showing a higher activity of sebaceous production in this region. The chin region presented a positive correlation between the sebum content, roughness parameter and the number of pores and comedones. As different skin properties are related and influence the appearance of undesirable clinical signs, we identified the need for a multifactorial approach for the effective treatment of oily skin. The rational development of multifunctional cosmetic products that promote the control of oily skin, that regulate the keratinization process, improve the microrelief and leads to a better epidermis and dermis structure, will not only improve oily skin conditions but will also allow for the reduction or disappearance of clinical signs that result from excessive oiliness, all of which causes concern and results in a relentless search for cosmetic and dermatological products that address the unaesthetic nature of these conditions.

Correlations between sebaceous glands activity and porphyrins in the oily skin and hair and immediate effects of dermocosmetic formulations

“…Thus, greater brightness detected by the equipment means greater uniformity of the skin surface evaluated. A recent study by Melo & Maia Campos 23 showed that the malar region has a larger number of pores than other regions, with this parameter being correlated with changes in skin microrelief such as skin roughness (Rt) and texture (SEr). Thus, this type of skin had a less uniform microrelief.…”

Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

“…According to the ban on animal testing for many products, nowadays the human model has been developed and accepted for comedogenic testing of finished products. Comedones counting can be performed by various skin imaging techniques and correlated to skin surface characteristics (microrelief) [ 6 ]. The principle of the comedogenic testing on the human model is to investigate the level or number of microcomedones after applying the designed amount of the tested product on the back of subjects with comedone prone skin.…”

Tratamentos estéticos utilizados para controle da oleosidade de pele

“…Qualquer alteração, seja na função ou até mesmo na estética da pele, tem como consequência problemas para a saúde física e mental do indivíduo em questão e por esse motivo, a preocupação com a estética aumentou muito na última década. A manutenção da viscosidade, integridade e aspecto da pele, vem se tornando cada vez mais uma procura constante em todo o mundo (CAMPOS MPMBG, et al, 2019;EICHENFIELD LF, et al, 2010).…”